Practicing Interview Skills, Staging a Mock Job Interview and Self Evaluation
Finding work is not always an easy thing, particularly in an uncertain economy such as that of the United States. But how does one get a job? Research, self-nomination, and persistence are common paths that lead to job interviews. Our students, naturally, find the prospect of interviewing for a competitive job an intimidating prospect. We can reduce their justified anxiety by teaching a...
Read MoreChanging Work Titles & Greater Equality
“Habits change into character.” ~Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE), Ancient Roman poet Which is correct: fireman or firefighter? The answer is both! But one has been gaining traction lately, along with many other gender-neutral terms for occupational titles. Here’s why: Many professions were traditionally only open to men. As women have gained greater rights and society has become more...
Read MoreHome vs. House: What does this mean?
“No matter under what circumstances you leave it, home does not cease to be home. No matter how you lived there – well or poorly.” ~Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996), Russian-American poet & Nobel Prize winner What’s the difference between a house and a home? English speakers clearly distinguish the two words. A house is simply the building where people live. It’s...
Read MoreCompelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition Comes Out!
“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” ~ John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S. Are you a teacher looking for fresh tips to flip your classroom discussions? Do you ever wish the Teacher Edition of your textbook was more adaptable to your classroom needs? Chimayo Press, an...
Read MoreTeaching the difference between ‘make’ and ‘do’ for English Language Learners
What do you do? What do you make? How do you clarify the significant difference between “do” and “make” for your ESL students? These simple words cause lots of confusion for English language learners. Both intermediate and advanced English language learners struggle with the difference between “make” and “do”. We have so many different idioms and expressions that use...
Read More‘Verbal Energy’ column quirky, insightful, fun
Christian Science Monitor’s Ruth Walker spotlights English as a fascinating language Photo Source: Christian Science Monitor”There is no such thing as “the Queen’s English.’ The property has gone into the hands of a joint stock company, and we own the bulk of the stock.” Mark Twain (1835-1910), American writer and humorist Facing a language that chooses...
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